Ademir da Guia, the Divine
[photo=P1010005.JPG id=78 align=left]Ademir da Guia was born on the 3rd of April 1942, Rio de Janeiro. Son of Erothides da Guia and the famous Domingos Da Guia, “the Divine Master", also a legend at the paulista club, he is regarded as the best Palmeiras player of all time. His distinguished career began in Bangu-RJ in 1959 but he is remembered for the 17 years spent at Parque Antartica, he played 901 matches and registered 153 goals which makes him the third best striker in the history of the Palmeirense club behind Heitor Marcelino (284) and César (180).
His is remembered fondly at Bangu and is the second most successful striker in the history of the Carioca club after Zizinho, his departure in 1961 left tears in the eyes of Bangu’s loyal supporters. On July 31st, 1960 he won with Bangu the Tournament of New York which brought together sixteen teams from around the world, he was elected best player and golden boot with five goals in five games.
It was August 1961 when Bangu accepted an offer they couldn’t refuse of 4 million cruzeiros from the Verdão. Ademir had to wait to December for his debut at the sides of Zequinha and Chinesinho against Taubaté which finished in a victory 5-1 to Palmeiras.
[photo=ademir.JPG id=78 align=right]But it wasn’t until 1963 that his immense talent was truly appreciated after his performances was recognized in the Palmeiras first state champion, which was followed by four other titles 1966, 1972, 1974 and 1976. Vicente Feola saw his potential and called him up to join the Seleção on June 2 1965 to play against Belgium in the Maracanã. Then on September 7 of the same year, Palmeiras faced Celeste Uruguay for the inauguration the Morumbi and under the eyes of 120.000 fans the Verdão won 3-0.
Ademir appeared 11 times for the Auriverde but never registered a goal in the Brazilian shirt. He took part in the World cup 1974 in Germany playing in the third place game against Poland which Brazil lost 1 to 0,
In 1964, Ademir took more and more importance within Palmeiras until impressing the international back Djalma Santos, then with Dudu, the two formed the duet which could compete with Pelé’s Santos. Three years later, Ademir was the victim of a respiratory problem during a meeting with Manaus which handicapped him for the remainder of his career.
In 1976, free from any engagement, he was made many offers to sign for new clubs in particular Corinthians, Guarani and Mexican club of Monterrey but Ademir preferred to sign for one more year at Verdão. But during the 216th derby against Corinthians, on September 18, 1977, he felt a new pain and left at the half-time. Ademir da Guia never played as a professional again. Only managing 6 minutes of a friendly meeting in 1984 in Canindé between the friends of Palmeiras and a Pauliste selection taken along by Roberto Rivellino. Two years later, a statue dedicated to Ademir was erected at Palmeiras. Ademir today frequently goes to the stadium to encourage the next generation in support of his beloved club, he is usually joined by ex-teammate Dudu. Ademir and Parque Antartica, have an ever lasting love.
Recommended links:
All about Ademir da Guia
Palmeiras: Italian origin, Brazilian success
Parque Antártica, the green Brazilian hell
